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Published on: May 7, 2021
Rahnella aquatilis Isolated from Aedes albopictus Impairs Mosquito Reproduction Capacity
Ling Gu1,2, Lin Li1,2, Jinyang Sun1,2
1School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
Abstract:
Aedes albopictus is one of the most important vectors of Dengue, which poses a serious threat to public health. The bacterial microbiota has an effect on the parameters of mosquitos, such as larval development and fecundity, and it has emerged as a promising field to be explored for novel environmentally friendly control strategies. Rahnella sp. are present in many insects, including Ae. Albopictus, and play a role in bacterial-insect interactions; however, the role of the bacteria in mosquito biology has not yet been characterized. In this study, we characterized the Rahnella isolate RAeA1 obtained from Ae. albopcitus, and its colonization stability in Ae. albopictus was investigated by generating GFP-tagged bacteria. The influences of the bacteria on larval development and mosquito reproductive capacity were evaluated by inoculating RAeA1 in axenic larvae and antibiotic-treated adult mosquitoes, respectively. The results indicated that RAeA1, which is widespread in the field population of Ae. albopictus, can be transmitted directly from the parental strain to the progeny and can rescue axenic larvae developing into adults with a prolonged development time to pupation. RAeA1 inoculation can impair egg production and ovary maturation, as well as reducing the synthesis of ecdysteroids and vitellogenin in Ae. albopictus females. Overall, our results provide a thorough study of bacterium function characterization that will facilitate the development of potential strategies in relation to the design of microbiomes for vector control.
Insights
Rahnella bacteria RAeA1, found in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, can be passed from parent to offspring. This bacterium impacts mosquito development and reproduction, offering potential for eco-friendly vector control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Vector Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Aedes albopictus mosquitoes transmit Dengue, a significant public health concern.
- Bacterial microbiota influences mosquito development and reproduction, presenting opportunities for novel control methods.
- Rahnella bacteria are found in insects, including Ae. albopictus, but their specific role in mosquito biology is uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Rahnella isolate RAeA1 from Ae. albopictus.
- To investigate the colonization stability of RAeA1 in Ae. albopictus.
- To evaluate the impact of RAeA1 on mosquito larval development and reproductive capacity.
Main Methods:
- Generated GFP-tagged Rahnella RAeA1 for colonization studies.
- Inoculated axenic Ae. albopictus larvae with RAeA1 to assess larval development.
- Treated antibiotic-killed adult Ae. albopictus with RAeA1 to evaluate reproductive effects.
Main Results:
- RAeA1 is widespread in field populations and vertically transmitted from parent to progeny.
- RAeA1 inoculation rescued axenic larvae but prolonged their development time to pupation.
- RAeA1 impaired egg production, ovary maturation, and reduced ecdysteroid and vitellogenin synthesis in female mosquitoes.
Conclusions:
- Rahnella RAeA1 colonization is stable in Ae. albopictus and can be vertically transmitted.
- RAeA1 influences mosquito development and significantly impacts female reproductive capacity.
- Characterizing Rahnella's function provides insights for developing microbiome-based vector control strategies.
